Warren Barfield - "Reach"
(Essential Records, 2006)
With the confident vocals of Marc Broussard, Warren Barfield's sophomore album Reach is another solid reason why contemporary Christian music continues to provide many of my favorite albums. From the opening funk-soul assault of "I'll Be Alright" to "Reach," the album's acoustic conclusion, Reach is a joy to hear from start to finish. It's a worthy addition to the album collection of any music fan who appreciates a soul-searching album, Christian or not.
The album is full of rousing choruses and in-depth arrangements, perhaps hearkening back to Barfield's pentecostal upbringing. "My dad would sing standing on the pew with the blood-vessels popping out of his neck, preaching the lyric," Barfield says in his online biography. "When people say my music is soulful, I go 'yeah, but to me it's not Marvin Gaye soulful, it's like Pentecostal."
That power comes through quickly on this album, most notably in "I'll Be Alright," the rousing opener for the album. "You have a way of changing everything with just one touch," he sings, "and I'll never understand how an unseen hand can do so much -- but it does." This is uplifting soul with a contemporary touch, and though the undercurrent of religion is there, it's not in a position of controlling the music. Barfield leaves room in his songs for listeners to come to their own conclusions, which is a big reason the album is able to succeed.
There are a number of clear "singles" on the album. "Saved" already is a single, though it has yet to crack the CCM top 40. And songs like "Head Held High" and "Beyond The Walls" are crafted around perfect hooks that are equally radio-worthy. But by blending Marc Broussard's blues sound with the pop-soul sensibility of Gavin DeGraw, Barfield has developed a sound that is full and complex. On Reach, he uses that sound to build an album that is intricate and deep, deserving multiple listens in order to fully take it all in.
This is more than just another album from a contemporary Christian singer wanting to make it big on the radio. It's a beautifully executed album from an artist who's sure to have a long career in this business. Reach is well worth the purchase price.
Upcoming Midwest Tour Dates
April 8: Normal IL (Braden Auditorium)
April 9: Converse IN (Converse Church of Christ)
April 10: Deerfield IL (Trinity International University)
April 15: Indianapolis IN (WIT Youth Ministry)
May 20: Louisville KY (Freedom Hall - Opening for a Louisville Fire game)
To hear music from Barfield, visit his website: www.warrenbarfield.com.
I have been unable to attain permission to post his music here.
If I do in the future, a song will be posted.
With the confident vocals of Marc Broussard, Warren Barfield's sophomore album Reach is another solid reason why contemporary Christian music continues to provide many of my favorite albums. From the opening funk-soul assault of "I'll Be Alright" to "Reach," the album's acoustic conclusion, Reach is a joy to hear from start to finish. It's a worthy addition to the album collection of any music fan who appreciates a soul-searching album, Christian or not.
The album is full of rousing choruses and in-depth arrangements, perhaps hearkening back to Barfield's pentecostal upbringing. "My dad would sing standing on the pew with the blood-vessels popping out of his neck, preaching the lyric," Barfield says in his online biography. "When people say my music is soulful, I go 'yeah, but to me it's not Marvin Gaye soulful, it's like Pentecostal."
That power comes through quickly on this album, most notably in "I'll Be Alright," the rousing opener for the album. "You have a way of changing everything with just one touch," he sings, "and I'll never understand how an unseen hand can do so much -- but it does." This is uplifting soul with a contemporary touch, and though the undercurrent of religion is there, it's not in a position of controlling the music. Barfield leaves room in his songs for listeners to come to their own conclusions, which is a big reason the album is able to succeed.
There are a number of clear "singles" on the album. "Saved" already is a single, though it has yet to crack the CCM top 40. And songs like "Head Held High" and "Beyond The Walls" are crafted around perfect hooks that are equally radio-worthy. But by blending Marc Broussard's blues sound with the pop-soul sensibility of Gavin DeGraw, Barfield has developed a sound that is full and complex. On Reach, he uses that sound to build an album that is intricate and deep, deserving multiple listens in order to fully take it all in.
This is more than just another album from a contemporary Christian singer wanting to make it big on the radio. It's a beautifully executed album from an artist who's sure to have a long career in this business. Reach is well worth the purchase price.
Upcoming Midwest Tour Dates
April 8: Normal IL (Braden Auditorium)
April 9: Converse IN (Converse Church of Christ)
April 10: Deerfield IL (Trinity International University)
April 15: Indianapolis IN (WIT Youth Ministry)
May 20: Louisville KY (Freedom Hall - Opening for a Louisville Fire game)
To hear music from Barfield, visit his website: www.warrenbarfield.com.
I have been unable to attain permission to post his music here.
If I do in the future, a song will be posted.
posted by Jonathan Sanders @ 11:40 PM
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